Difference between revisions of "Mananara Nord National Park"

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The Mananara Nord Biosphere Reserve is part of the global network of Biosphere Reserves. Launched in 1971, UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) encourages interdisciplinary research, training and demonstration on resource management. It helps to improve the understanding of biophysical, socio-economic and cultural factors that affect the environment, and to increase the participation of scientists in decisions about more efficient use of resources.

The Mananara Nord National Park is located in the Mananara Nord district of the Analanjirofo region, 280km north of Toamasina (Tamatave). The park is bounded by the Mananara river to the north, the Sandrakatsy river and Fotsialanana river to the west, the Anove river to the south and the Indian Ocean to the east.

The entire Mananara Nord National Park consists of 23,000ha terrestrial park and 1,000ha marine park. The altitude reaches from 0m to 569m. The park is subject to a humid tropical climate. The average temperature is 25.2°C and the humidity is constantly high. It rains most of the year and can reach up to 2,900mm per year. There is a warm and rainy season from September to March and a cooler season from April to September. Mananara is often a passage area for tropical cyclones.

The Precambrian basement of Mananara, dating back 2,750 million years, belongs to the Antongilian system. Following geological metamorphisms that led to this substrate of rocks composed of amphibolites, micaschists, greenschist and schist, granitic intrusions of about 770 million years ago appeared which, together with Neocene alteration and erosion, are responsible for the orthogonal shape of the region's relief with narrowly linear valleys, rock walls, cascades and waterfalls, falling rocky shores and the hydrographic network following the lines of the landscape and valleys. This explains the difficulty of access to monitor the park, the history of linear fragmentation of the forest and the human occupation along the lines of valleys. The density of vegetation and the ability of forest regeneration worsen the problems as they favour the camouflage of offenders.

Due to the presence of the South Equatorial Current coming from South Asia that runs along the east coast to become Madagascar's southward current, this current brings warm surface waters in all seasons and conditions the water temperature to never drop below 18°-20°C. In order to develop, coral reefs require warm, clear water (above 18°C) on a shallow bottom with 30 to 35% salinity, which is the case for the Mananara Nord Marine Park. At the highest sea (during high tide minus the half maximum height of a wave) the water is between 25m and 35m deep. The Malagasy east coast is swept throughout the year by the Alizé (trade wind). The average wind speed is 20m/s.

The Mananara Nord National Park consists of a land and marine park that are both rich in biodiversity as well as natural and original beauty. The marine park is the first created in Madagascar. The site is commonly called Nosy Antafana. It is a set of three islets located 2.5km off Sahasoa. The largest is Nosy Be or Nosy Antafana, where a freshwater source is located. The second is Nosy Rangontsy, named after the man whose remains were the first to be deposited there. On this islet are a mangrove swamp, an expanse of brackish water with fish and in the east huge masses of granite. The last island and the smallest is Nosy Hely. It is a real marine ecosystem with various representative ecological niches. Coral reefs are among the most beautiful and rich in biodiversity of the east coast of Madagascar. The land park represents the eastern eco-region with littoral forests and forest islands.

Objectives of the site

The Mananara Nord National Park was established on 25th July 1989 by Presidential Decree No. 89/216. It is the first as a Biosphere Reserve in Madagascar. The objective of the site is the conservation of biodiversity in the national park (both marine and terrestrial), it must maintain the quality and quantity of biodiversity in the protected area.

The national park is also a water reservoir for the region with thirty sources, the most important are: Ambatomilogno, Fotsialanana, Hoalampano, Ivontaka, Mahavo, Manambato Manandriana, Mandemoko, Menatany, Sahantsidy, Saharamy, Sahasatrana, Sahasoa, Sahofiky, Tsihoronina, Vahibe, Vongohely, ...

The Mananara Nord Biosphere Reserve is home to a rich flora and fauna. These species require specific conservation actions as they are subject to pressures. They are key elements in the protected area and are referred to as conservation targets.

Conservation targets

The conservation targets of Mananara Nord National Park are:

* Dense humid forest of low altitude: It comprises almost all of the Mananara Nord Biosphere Reserve. Compared to the very small variation of altitude, the richness in micro-mammal is exceptional.

* Forest island Nosy Antafana: For years the island is exposed to an ongoing attack by a colony of Rattus rattus (Black rat) invading it.

* Coral reefs: The Mananara reefs are among the most beautiful with a great wealth of biodiversity.

* The species

• Dypsis antanambensis - endemic palm tree, critically endangered (grows only in the park, 49 mature individuals in total)
• Voanioala gerardii - a rare plant worldwide, critically endangered
• Allocebus trichotis - Hairy-eared dwarf lemur, never existed in large numbers. It is found in the vicinity of the Mananara River which is its exclusive habitat.

The site and local population

The Mananara Nord National Park is subject to pressures for the

* terrestrial part:

• Land clearings, destroying the forest by burning
• Human occupations, as the population increases, inward penetration is inevitable.
• Illegal logging of precious woods and by-products.
• Poaching, lemurs, small mammals and birds are most attacked.

* marine part:

• Octopus fishing with harpoons
• Use of small mesh nets
• The abundance of rats on Nosy Antafana

Fauna

The best fauna most visible to tourists

Inventories have identified:

On the terrestrial fauna,

• 77 species of birds
• 136 species of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians of a particular region) identified throughout a survey in 2001
• 13 species of lemurs in the forest of the reserve
• 17 rodent species known in the low to medium altitude moist forest (0 - 1,200m) in northeastern Madagascar
• 7 species of freshwater fish in the surrounding of the park
• Regarding arthropods, Mananara Nord National Park forms with Zahamena National Park and Masoala National Park what is called the endemic centre of Madagascar
• The Mananara Nord National Park is one of the protected areas that has the highest number of micro-mammal species in the eastern ecoregion given its reduced altitude range and size, which barely covers one-tenth of the Masoala surface. Indeed, there are 16 species against 17, for which Masoala is the richest.

On the marine fauna,

• 132 species of cnidaria
• 64 species of molluscs
• 16 species of arthropods
• 34 species of echinoderms
• 179 species of fish
• 2 species of reptiles
• 2 species of mammals

Lemurs

An inventory identified 13 species of lemurs.

Birds

There are 77 species of birds in the park.

Tenrecs

There are 9 species of tenrecs in the park.

Rodents

There are 7 rodent species in the park.

Herpetofauna - reptiles and amphibians

An overview of herpetofauna in the park:

Marine life - fish

An overview of the marine life in the park:

Flora

The best flora most visible to tourists:

The Mananara Nord National Park counts:

On the terrestrial flora,

• more than 764 primary forest species
• 436 modified forest species,

totalling more than 1200 species of vascular plants including

• 54 Cryptogams (Pteridophytes) - disperse spores
• 108 Angiosperms (Monocotyledons) - flowering plants
• 861 Angiosperms (Dicotyledons)
• 1 Gymnosperm - seed-producing plants.

These terrestrial ecosystem species are distributed in approximately

• 418 genera
• 117 families

The families most diverse in species are

• 66 species of Rubiaceae - family of flowering plants, commonly known as the coffee family
• 50 species of Euphorbiaceae - family of flowering plants, the spurge family
• 47 species of Arecaceae - family of perennial plants, commonly known as palms
• Fabaceae - family of flowering plants, commonly known as the legume, pea or bean family
• Flacourtiaceae - defunct family of flowering plants
• 27 species of Sapotaceae - family of flowering plants, evergreen trees and shrubs.

The palm group is the particularity of Mananara Nord National Park. It can be seen from sea level to the peak of Verezanantsoro. Currently, there are 47 including at least 2 locally endemic palm species. These are Dypsis antanambensis and Dypsis linearis (Dypsis anovensis).

On the marine flora,

• 114 species in 3 different habitats.

The seagrass counts:

• 32 species of Algae
• 9 species of Phanerogams - seed plants.

The mangroves are home to:

• 7 out of 9 mangrove species found in Madagascar.

On the islands of Nosy Atafana, Nosy Rangontsy and Nosy Hely grow 98 species of plants.

Of the 3 types of littoral forest (near sea level on laterite, sand and granite blocks) in the reserve, those of the islands of the marine park are the poorest in species.

Habitats

The terrestrial park includes a terrestrial ecosystem with two types of plant formations:

• low-altitude rainforest
• savoka - secondary vegetation made up of different types
  • Psiadia altissima
  • Trema orientalis
  • Harungana madagascariensis
  • Ravenala madagascariensis
  • Anthostema madagascariensis
  • Uapaca ferruginea.

These different types of formation grow on the ground generally ferralitic and rest on the crystalline base: granite of Antongil and migmatite of Mananara.

In addition to these two types of formations encountered in the park, there are also the coastal forests growing along the coast and mainly between Antanambe and Anove.

In the marine park following types of environment are distinguished:

• mangroves
• grass beds
• inner flats
• external slopes,
• rocky cliffs
• passes.

Among these environments are the inner flats and the external slopes north, south and west which are the richest in fish species.

How to get there

By road from Antananarivo to Toamasina on RN2, then Toamasina to Mananara Nord on RN5. There is a paved road from Toamasina to Soanierana Ivongo and thereafter a secondary road from Soanierana Ivongo to Mananara. The roads are accessible all year round, but in poor condition. The total travel time from Antananarivo to the park is two to three days.

By taxi brousse from Antananarivo (Ambodivona bus station) to Toamasina and then from Toamasina (Tanambao V bus station) to Mananara.

By boat from Mananara to the park (1-1.5 hour by speedboat, 3-4 hours by slow boat), or from Antanambe to the park (45 minutes by speedboat). From Soanierana Ivongo or Sainte Marie to Mananara it takes 5 hours by boat respectively. The sea is calm from April to October.

Guides and entrance fees

There are two park offices located in Antanambe and Mananara (Mahambolona). There you can get all the information regarding guides, tours, admission fees within the park and guide rates.

There are several guides available for your visit to the park. They all speak French and English and have received training in guiding techniques and flora and fauna.

The admission fee for visiting the park for foreign tourists is 45,000 Ariary per day, children pay 25,000 Ariary per day (prices 2015). Guides are obligatory. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit). There are also porters available. The fee for a porter is 12,000 Ariary per day, including his meals and accommodation.

Circuits (Tours)

Verezanantsoro Circuit

Medium circuit, 20km in one day. Sudden climate change: rain, temperature difference between sunny area and in dense forest area.

What to see?
You will cross cloves and vanilla plantations in a beautiful landscape along the coast, amazing panoramic view before diving into the heart of a low-altitude forest with exceptional biodiversity such as lemurs (Indri, Black-and-white ruffed lemur), birds…
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)

Nosy Antafana Circuit

Easy circuit, 16km trekking for half a day during the calm sea period (October to April).

What to see?
First marine site created in Madagascar and among the most beautiful reefs of the Indian Ocean, Nosy Antafana is like a giant aquarium where beach, mangrove, coastal forest and dive site are wonders of nature.
It is a day of swimming, diving and relaxing. During a walk in the coastal forest you will see seabirds and their nests and flying foxes. Be curious to hear about the legend of Nosy Antafana and that of "Rangotsy".
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)

Ivontaka Sud Circuit

Difficult and sporty circuit, 16km trekking from Sahasoa. Steep slope on the eastern side. Abrupt climate change, big temperature difference between the sunny zone and under dense forest area.

What to see?
Through the development of agricultural lands for cash crops and food crops you will climb slowly with beautiful panoramic views. In the dense forest you will see lemurs (Indri, Black-and-white ruffed lemur, Brown lemur), flora (endemic plants, orchids) and birds (Helmet vanga, Madagascar crested ibis). You will also pass a natural swimming pool and coastal landscape.
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)

Varary Circuit

Difficult circuit, 16km trekking, 2 days.

What to see?
Enjoy the agricultural landscapes and discover a rich fauna and flora and the best panoramas of the park.
Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)

Combined Fanihy Circuit - Rangontsy Circuit, Diving Circuit

Guide with car: 30,000 Ariary, porter: 15,000 Ariary (2015)

Tourist attractions in the area (outside the protected area)

Antanambao Mandrisy Community Tours for village tourism

Accessible by 4x4, motorcycle or foot. The terrestrial tour starts 1.7km west of the village Antanambao Mandrisy. Near the village are mangroves and beach.

What to see?
The tour is managed by a women's organisation in collaboration with Madagascar National Parks. On location, there is a lodge with two bungalows, family room, restaurant and information boards about the proposed tours. You can either go on a mangroves and beach tour or you can visit the coastal forest and discover agro-ecological landscape, a waterfall and the Betsimisaraka culture.

Sahasoa Community Tour for village tourism

1km from the village of Sahasoa.

What to see?
This tour is managed by a women's organisation in collaboration with Madagascar National Parks. On location, there is a seaside lodge with two bungalows, family room, restaurant and information boards about the proposed tours. You can go on a tour through agro-ecologial landscape, visit a historic cave and learn about the Betsimisaraka culture.

Andavakandrehy Tour

Accessible by 4x4, motorcycle, mountainbike or foot. The terrestrial tour starts 1.7km west of the village Antanambao Mandrisy. Near the village are mangroves and beach. The tour starts 6km south of Mananara (3km driveable).

What to see?
You will see National Culutral Heritage - an ancient tomb and historic cave. You will walk through agro-ecologial landscape and discover the Betsimisaraka culture.

Habits and customs in the region

Tsaboraha is a widespread traditional custom in the Eastern region. By bringing the whole community together, it is a ceremony that strengthens social bonds. During those three days, the tsaboraha requires the participation of all.

After the initiating family has obtained the permission from ancestral spirits, men, women and children of the region actively participate in the preparation of the ritual. At each of the many steps, large quantities of betsabetsa (traditional rum) are distributed. The men will cut the wood that the children collected in the surrounding forests, while the women prepare the rice.

The young men of the village participate in tolon'omby, a form of bullfighting with a strong young bull which is marked with a white spot on the forehead. Once tamed, the animal is taken to "Fijoroana", a sacred place where it will be sacrificed the next day after a festive vigil and the search of the sacred tree during the night. After the killing, the body of the zebu is shared and prepared for a feast that can gather up to a thousand people.

A Jôro consists of making an offering to the ancestors as a recognition of the benefits they have kindly granted or wish to grant in the near future.

Rasariagna is a kind of joro by the Betsimisaraka to commemorate the good deeds of their ancestors. They do this to thank their ancestors and to signify them that they are not forgotten. The rasariagna always takes place on a Saturday.

Tsikafara is a joro that the Betsimisaraka perform when faced with difficulty. Before an examination or any test, they will make an offering to the ancestors to ask for their support in solving the task without obstacles. It is a vow made in private or in public. But in every situation, if successful the vow must be fulfilled.

Cultural highlights in the region

• Historical
  • The story of Nosy Antafana is much attached to a certain Rangontsy, a seer who lived in the village of Sahasoa in the mid-nineteenth century, originally coming from the Vohemar region in northeastern Madagascar. Nosy Rangontsy, the second island of Mananara Nord Biosphere Reserve, is named after him. It is also the place where his tomb is located.
  • the origin of the village of Antanambe and the town of Mananara and its name
  • the unification pact of the Betsimisaraka in Ambitsika by Ratsimilaho
  • history of the origin of zanamalata (son of a mulatto)
  • history of Ambatifitra and Amboavavy
  • history of Antivarikandana with the Sambiarivo of Andavakandrehy
  • history of Ambatonakolahy

• Custom
  • respect towards the elders (olombe)

• Fady (forbidden, tabou)
  • fady days: Tuesday and Thursday
  • fady food: goat meat, beef without horns (omby bory), a certain pea (voanjobory), pig meat (for some people)

• Holy places
  • Nosy Rangtonsy, tombs and ancient tombs (Sambiarivo)

• Legend
  • about Rangontsy (originally the name of the second island of the marine park)
  • of Soalahy (the origin of the name of the village Sahasoa, that is to say Sahanisoalahy)
  • of Zafindrainibanda (the descendants of pirates)
  • Amboavavy (Antsirabe Fontsiarivo)
  • Antivarikandana (Sahave)

• Anecdotes
  • the origin of the word zanamalata, which designates the tribe considered as owners of the town of Mananara and its surroundings, comes from the French word mulâtre (mulatto)
  • the origin of the word zafindrainibanda, which designates the tribe considered bloodthirsty, comes from the French word bandit (bandit)

Specialties of the region

• Crafts
  • basketry, carpentry

• Cuisine
  • coconut based cuisine (octopus with coconut, coconut fish, coconut cassava leaves, sahoaba - banana with coconut,...)

• Vegetables and fruits
  • coconut, banana, breadfruit, lychees, jackfruit, anamalao (flowering herb), angivy (little eggplant)
  • clove, largest producer in Madagascar
  • vanilla, 1st producer in Toamasina province
  • coffee

• Farming
  • cattle
  • poultry (chicken and waterfowl)
  • beekeeping
  • pigs (more and more popular)

• Market
  • takes place during the fady days of Tuesday and Thursday, when it is not allowed to work on the fields, especially to grow rice. It is gaining momentum during the green vanilla season in the months of June to September.

Population

There are over 186 villages and hamlets. A large part of the population is farmers. The dominant agricultural activity is rice cultivation (slash/burn and irrigated) and cash crops. Mananara is the largest producer of cloves in Madagascar, of vanilla in the Toamasina province and is also one of the largest coffee producers. As for fishing, despite the strong potential, fishery resources are still underutilised in Mananara.

The majority of the population consists of the Betsimisaraka ethnic group with a strong presence of Tsimihety and Métis Chinese (mixed-race), Betsileo and Merina. Most of the people live in the fertile valleys of Mananara, Sandrakatsy, Saharamy and Manambato.

Accommodation in the park

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